AND they’re off! The battle for Cotswolds constituency officially began this morning when the returning officer received the Parliamentary Election writ.

The returning officer of every constituency received a writ declaring the dissolution of parliament and the start of the run up to the general election on May 7.

Nigel Adams, acting returning officer for the Cotswolds constituency, said: “Now that the writ has been received we can publish the Notice of Election, which signals the beginning of the formal process and, importantly, the start of the nomination period.

“It’s a privilege to be the Acting Returning Officer, and I hope that as many people as possible take the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote on May 7.

“Parliamentary Elections usually only occur once every five years so, if people miss out this time around, they will have a long time to wait before they can again seek to influence who runs the country.

“May 7 is also an important day locally, with elections taking place for the District Council and at parish and town council level.”

To be able to vote you must be included on the electoral register. Register before Monday, April 20, at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.